Condition
Treatment Support
carminative
Application
tea, or 1-2 drops of essential oil in a little warm water
Peppermint
(Mentha x piperita)
Botanical Information
An aromatic perennial in the Mint family with creeping rootstock, dark green opposite leaves, purple stems, and small purple pink or white flowers.
Working with Peppermint
Part(s) Used
Herb
Herb Forms
Teabag, essential oil, capsule (oil), bulk herb.
Peppermint leaf and oil (2-4 drops in a cup of warm water, mixed well) are used to counteract nausea and vomiting and to relieve intestinal gas and bowel irritation. Peppermint is also used for biliary disorders, dyspepsia, headache, and fevers and colds. In Europe enteric-coated capsules of peppermint oil are taken for colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. In Chinese medicine it is indicated for fever and headaches associated with certain kinds of colds and flu (wind-heat, with yellow or green mucus and fever), and skin lesions.
The classic European cold and flu remedy is made by making a strong infusion with 1 part each of peppermint herb, yarrow tops, and elder flowers and drinking 1-2 cups hot. Take a hot bath during the time the tea is consumed, wrap up in a sheet, and cover yourself with a sleeping bag–then sweat. This sweating therapy is good for breaking a fever (diaphoretic), releasing heat and toxins from the body. Make sure to replace lost liquids with plenty of herb tea or water. Peppermint oil in enteric-coated (disolves in the small intestine) capsules are used today for easing chronic digestive pains and cramping due to gas or irritable bowel syndrome which have some research supporting their effectiveness. However, a number of contraindications and side-effects have been noted in some people, including a burning sensation in the lower digestive tract. Contraindications include:
*any occlusion of the gall bladder and passages from spasms or stones.
*pregnancy or breast-feeding
*esophageal reflux
*in those with heartburn
*asthma
The internal use of peppermint oil is contraindicated in young children.
Start with a 1-drop dose mixed in warm water or soothing tea (like marshmallow root) or commercial enteric-coated capsules to start with to check for individual sensitivity to the oil. Some people may experience gastrointestinal irritation. Breathing the oil in an inhaler can produce breathlessness and spasms of the larynx in sensitive people.
Peppermint has a taste of AROMATIC, SPICY and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
None noted.
Conditions treated with Peppermint
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
diaphoretic
Application
tea, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
diaphoretic
Application
tea
Condition
Treatment Support
intestinal antispasmodic
Application
tea, oil
Condition
Treatment Support
digestive aid, mild anodyne
Application
tea, tincture, oil in capsules
Condition
Treatment Support
carminative
Application
tea
Condition
Treatment Support
antispasmodic
Application
tea
Condition
Treatment Support
antispasmodic, analgesic
Application
essential oil in enteric-coated capsules
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-nauseant
Application
tea
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-nauseant
Application
tea, oil (diluted in water)
Condition
Treatment Support
carminative, anaesthetic
Application
tea, essential oil in enteric-coated caps
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
